This article presents findings from the evaluation of the 1990s California Preventing Parolee Crime Program (PPCP), a community-based corrections program designed to reduce parolee recidivism.
The study found that the PPCP resulted in modest reductions in reincarcerations and absconding from parole supervision, which produced potential for substantial long-term cost savings. Because the PPCP's positive effects were the most significant for parolees who completed their parole terms, future program designers and managers should include mechanisms to improve parolee retention and use of services. The program provided literacy training, employment services, housing assistance, and substance abuse treatment to thousands of parolees. Although the individual PPCP service networks varied in their specific treatment goals, together they constituted an integrated, statewide program designed to decrease high rates of parolee recidivism and reincarceration. Participants in the evaluation included all California parolees released to parole between July 1, 2000, and June 30, 2002, and who were eligible for PPCP services. Data sources were the official record of parolee movements into and out of parole and the service-provider records on parolee participation in the program. The comparison group was composed of all release periods in which a parolee did not enroll in PPCP services or had never enrolled in PPCP services during a previous parole period. The dependent variable was whether the parolee reoffended within 1 year of release to parole. Independent variables were participation in PPCP services, as measured by enrollment in PPCP services during a parole period, and the intensity of participation in services. The latter variable was measured by time spent in receiving program services and whether the parolee met the service provider's benchmarks for success. 5 tables, 5 notes, and 27 references